Cleaning ext. enclosed trailer help

[echobite]

I was wondering on what type of cleaner product people would use when hand scrubbing? I will be renting a power washer. I don't think a power washer is going to remove all of this scum on the trailer. If I can remove all of the scum I might polish the trailer too.

 

[Motorka]

dimer ?

 

[heimannm]

I would try Simple Green, Mean Green, Purple Power, Super Clean or a similar product. Very likely you will need to wax it after to provide a little protection to the finish.

Mark

 

[Steve]

I just bought a trailer in the same condition yesterday. Microfiber towel and white vinegar will take the mildew right off.

 

[Sloughfoot]

Super Clean

 

[misterhandyman]

Be careful because some cleaners are caustic and may damage the finish. I would take it to a spray and wash car wash and start there

 

[Screwbolts]

LA awesome, from the dollar store, do a search of it. It takes the blackline residue right off my trailer or camper.

Ken

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Super Clean will take the shine off most surfaces. And it doesn’t come back…

 

[Philbert]

I like the idea of trying a car wash first, maybe to remove a lot, if not all the dirt / scum / whatever.

SuperClean and LA Awesome each have sodium hydroxide (lye) in them, whis is good for removing grease, but not for aluminum, or some paints.

Is is mold? Algae? Dirt?

I would visit a few home centers, and auto supply places, and read the labels on the various cleaners they sell.

We’ve used the pump-up, garden sprayer type things to apply mold abatement chemicals. The ‘chemical resistant’ models are about $5 more.

Then use a large sponge, and sponge mop, to clean with a minimum of scratching.

Philbert

 

[They call me Mr. Kibbs]

Never done it on a trailer, but I clean our white aluminum gutters with a pump sprayer and 80/20 mix of cleaning bleach and tap water. Spray an area, let it sit until it turns white (+/- 5-10 min), then rinse with garden hose. Be sure to rinse before it dries. If really nasty let it dry and do it a second time, it's about as easy as it gets.
On the north side of the house we get some mold (or mildew, I don't know) and some residue from the wood stove chimney, cleans it right back up to bright shiny white.
CAUTION-do not just use any old pump up sprayer, bleach will eat up the seals on those not intended for it. Home Depot sells a bleach sprayer for about $20-$25.

You can always do a test run with bleach from your laundry room and a wet rag and garden hose...pretty cheap

 

[Dustin4185]

Scott’s plant safe outdoor cleaner or RV cleaner. I e used both and never had an issue with it hurting the aluminum. Of course the RV cleaner is designed for painted aluminum siding.

 

[Boomer2230]

Look for a Hotsy dealer close to you. You either want Carbonate or Breakthrough. They can both be diluted with water. Best results with hot water.

I started using Carbonate back in the 80's.

 

[Sloughfoot]

I like the idea of trying a car wash first, maybe to remove a lot, if not all the dirt / scum / whatever.

SuperClean and LA Awesome each have sodium hydroxide (lye) in them, whis is good for removing grease, but not for aluminum, or some paints.

Is is mold? Algae? Dirt?

I would visit a few home centers, and auto supply places, and read the labels on the various cleaners they sell.

We’ve used the pump-up, garden sprayer type things to apply mold abatement chemicals. The ‘chemical resistant’ models are about $5 more.

Then use a large sponge, and sponge mop, to clean with a minimum of scratching.

Philbert

Does diluting Super Clean keep it from doing that?

 

[Philbert]

Does diluting Super Clean keep it from doing that?

I don’t know.

I try to start with less harsh chemicals first.

‘PurplePower’ does not have sodium hydroxide. Neither does Simple Green. So these might be better cleaners to try first.

If it’s mold or mildew, there might be specific cleaners designed for those. I have used some on wood (gentler than bleach), but don’t know how they work on aluminum, of paint.

I am a guy who calls those ‘1- 800’ numbers on the backs of the containers in the stores, and sometimes have had very helpful, informative conversations with the technical reps.

Sometimes not (!), but it’s free and worth a try.

Philbert

 

[David Boyd]

I would try a hot water pressure washer. The hot water makes a big difference in what they will remove.

 

[jmester]

I have had good results using soft scrub with bleach. Not on a trailer but on a truck cab. That had moss,mold and mildew or whatever that stuff is that grows on them.

 

[echobite]

Thanks guys. This has been very helpful! I will start cleaning the trailer this weekend. The trailer has mostly dirt and moss on it.